Walking through water, getting through life - ENVT 350

 

    This semester I'm taking ENVT 350: Environmental Methods of Investigation, and I'm not gonna lie, it's one of the most interesting classes I've had at PLU. 

    The class is all about the Chamber-Clover Creek Watershed, which is basically the local watershed around campus. But it's not just one subject, we look at it from different  angles like biology, chemistry, geoscience, history, and even religion. At first I didn't expect that mix, but it actually makes everything make more sense because you start to see how everything connects. 

    

What makes this class really different hough is that we don't just sit in a classroom. We actually go outside for our labs. Like, we visit real sites in the watershed, collect data, measure water quality indicators, and just observe what's going on the environment. it lowkey feels more real than any lab I've been before because you're literally in it, not just learning about it. 

    Also, this class has been around for a long time. Students have been collecting data on this watershed for over 25 years. And in 2022, all that work turned into a digital exhibit with the tacoma Public Library, where students shared their research with the community. 

  Not gonna lie, this class also helped me a lot during a time when I was going through some stuff. Getting outside, being in nature, and just spending time with my classmates made a big differences for me. it reminded me of my high school days when we used to go on week-long field trips, and those were the times that brought everyone so close together. That's actually where I met some of my lifelong best friends, and those memories are still some of the most meaningful to me. 

Photo courtesy of the PLU Archives

        This class kind of gave me that same feeling again. Even though it's technically a lab, it doesn't feel like a typical bio or chem lab where you'd stuck in one place for hours. Instead, we're walking around, going into the water, measuring things, looking at a different plants and species, and just enjoying the moment together. It feels like real quality time with people outside of a normal classroom setting. 

  I think this class is something I'll remember and miss after I graduate. As an Environmental Studies student, this experience felt really wholesome to me, one of those small but meaningful moments that stays with you. 

~Nobi Altanzul. 

Exploring the Charms of Tacoma, Seattle, and Beyond

SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE Y'ALL! Whoo!

 
It's Biruktawit Tesfaye here and I'm excited to show all the places in Tacoma and Seattle you can visit.  

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma and Seattle offer various of cultural delights, natural wonders, and urban adventures for PLU students to explore. From the iconic Space Needle to the serene beauty of Mount Rainier, this region beckons with its diverse attractions and vibrant atmosphere. So, let's embark on a journey to uncover the hidden gems and must-see sights of Tacoma, Seattle, and its surroundings.

Here are a few places to visit in the Summer:

Space Needle (Seattle)

No visit to Seattle is complete without a trip to the Space Needle. Iconic and unmistakable, this architectural marvel offers panoramic views of the city skyline, Puget Sound, and the majestic Olympic Mountains. Whether you're dining at the revolving SkyCity restaurant or braving the thrilling glass floor observation deck, the Space Needle promises an unforgettable experience. Wonder here.

Join International Student Services for a trip to the Space Needle!

 

 

Date: Saturday, May 4th

Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Meet at the Harstad entrance closest to the street at 11am
Cost: FREE! (ISS will cover the Space Needle ticket cost)
 

How to Reserve your Spot: There is a paper sign-up sheet in the International Student Center in Harstad Hall. Please come and write your name down to save your seat.
There are only 10 spots available, so sign up early!
Please email Abel at legessaw@plu.edu if you have any questions about this event.

Museum of Glass (Tacoma)

Located in Tacoma's Museum District, this contemporary museum showcases stunning glass sculptures, installations, and live glassblowing demonstrations. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of renowned artists or even try your hand at glassblowing under expert guidance.

For more info visit

 

 

Pike Place Market (Seattle)

Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the United States. Explore a labyrinth of stalls offering fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delectable treats. Don't miss the chance to snap a photo with the beloved bronze pig, Rachel, or witness the famous fishmongers hurling fish at Pike Place Fish Market.

For more info visit

 

 

Mount Rainier National Park 

Escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature at Mount Rainier National Park. Just a scenic drive from Tacoma or Seattle, this sprawling wilderness boasts snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and alpine meadows ablaze with wildflowers. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on trails ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging summit climbs.

Explore here first

No, you do not have to own a car to explore all these places which is why Seattle's and Tacoma's public transit is here for you. It's efficient public transportation system, including buses and light rail, makes it easy to navigate the city without a car. Consider purchasing a regional transit pass for unlimited rides on buses, trains, and ferries, allowing you to effortlessly explore Seattle and its surrounding areas.

Tacoma, Seattle, and their surroundings is surrounded by a wealth of attractions and experiences waiting to be discovered by YOU! Whether you're marveling at the futuristic skyline from the Space Needle or immersing yourself in the tranquility of Mount Rainier's wilderness, this dynamic region promises adventures to suit every taste and interest. So, grab your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant heart of the Pacific Northwest. Visit the official website here to get more info.

 

See you with another blog,  

Biruktawit Tesfaye

What are some good foods around Tacoma?

Hi guys,
As some of you might know it, I am a huge fan of Japanese cuisines. And through my 6 years of living experience in Tacoma, I have found some great Asian restaurant around the area. These restaurants that I list below are considered good based on my standards, so feel free to give them a try when you are craving for Asian cuisines.

Around PLU - walking distance

I bet everybody is familiar with the area around PLU, so I will just list them out with less detail. 

Cheap teriyaki restaurants: Happy Teriyaki; Uni Teriyaki

Great food but not so expensive: Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito; Farrelli's Pizza; Domino's Pizza

More expensive options: Trapper's Sushi; Marzano Italian Restaurant (require reservation)

Other than these restaurants, I've also heard that there are good foods in Marvel Food & Deli Grocery Shop.  This Russian grocery shop is a good place to shop for European ingredients; however, they also serves cooked food in the separated cafe area. Look for the Bakery sign and enter through the separate door on the left.
Here is the address: 301 133rd St S, Tacoma, WA 98444

Tacoma Area 

Dragon's Crawfish

Description: Great place to grab some seafood and share it with your friends! Their Cajun seafood boil is absolutely delicious. I dare you to try the dragon's breath spicy level!
Address: 750 S 38th St, Tacoma, WA 98418
Phone: +12533010020

Mandolin Sushi & Steak House
Description: This is a Japanese Teppanyaki (steakhosue) that offers great sushi. I've never tried their Teppanyaki yet, because the Salmon sashimi bowel that they offer is too good.
Address: 3923 S 12th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone: +12533014969
Website

Samurai's Japanese Steakhouse

Description: For me, Teppanyaki is more about performance, or the experience, rather than the food. The fried rice here, tho, is amazing. The average cost here is around $20.
Address: 3630 S Cedar St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: +12534759000
Website






Harvest Buffet 
Description: All you can eat with plenty of food choices. Go when you are hungry!
Address: 3121 S 38th St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: +12534723888
Website

Milk tea shops:

Bambu Tacoma

Description: Really good milk tea shop that offers varieties of Vietnamese drinks as well as some milk tea.
Address: 773 S 38th St, Tacoma, WA 98418
Phone: +12532123882
Website

Share Tea (in Tacoma mall)
Description: A traditional Taiwanese style milk tea shop located in Tacoma Mall. (Btw, Tacoma Mall reopened on June 8th)
Address: 4502 S Steele St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: +12535333483

Donut shop:

Krispy Kreme
Description: You should definitely try their original kreme donut! (High Caloric Warning)
Address: 4302 Tacoma Mall Blvd, Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: +12534726888
Website

Puyallup 

Sushi Ari Japanese Restaurant 
Description:  "The Best Sushi in Puyallup" as they said. This sushi restaurant opens at 3 pm in the afternoon. They have many different Japanese Donburi and many tasty sushi!
Address: 206 39th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98373
Phone: +12534462900
Website

Lakewood 

Mama's Pho
Description:  This is one of the best pho places to go to in Tacoma area. Their food is cheap but real good! Try out their Set 26 if you want some extra extra proteins.
Address: 9312 S Tacoma Way #150, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: +12535822211

New Gangnam BBQ
Description:  A Korean BBQ restaurant that offers high quality BBQ buffet. They also have a lot of tasty Korean food here.
Address: 9104 S Tacoma Way, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: +12535811200
Website

Tacoma Szechuan
Description:  This is the only Chinese restaurant I know around the area. I serves decent Szechuan Chinese cuisines. I can't eat very spicy food, so I always ask for little spice.
Address: 9701 S Tacoma Way Unit 102, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: +12535810102
Website

Cho Dang Tofu (Alternatively: Ho Soon Yi Restaurant)
Description:  Both of these Korean restaurants are very good, but many of my friends consider Cho Dang Tofu to serve the best Tofu soup around the area. Ho Soon Yi Restaurant, however, have more food options. Their prices are about the same though.
Address: Cho Dang Tofu: 9701 S Tacoma Way #101, Lakewood, WA 98499
              Ho Soon Yi Restaurant: 8501 S Tacoma Way, Lakewood, WA 98499

Food Corner in Pal-Do World Market
Description:  Pal-Do World Market is a Korean grocery shop, and there are many small Korean restaurant in its food corner.
Address: 9701 S Tacoma Way Unit 102, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: +12535817800

Milk tea shops:

Hi Bubble Tea
Description:  A milk tea shop that offers most of the "traditional" milk tea options that you can think of. It's quite sweet, however, so I recommend a 70% sweetness.
Address: 8510 S Tacoma Way Ste F, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: +12533145308
Website

T-Town Cafe

Description:  This Korean cafe that has the best shave ice around the area. They also have good beverage for you to enjoy.
Address: 8515 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98499
Phone: +12535841524

Federal Way

Tokyo-ya Ramen
Description:  This ramen restaurant is kind of far away, but it is worth trying if you happen to be around the area. I think it has better ramen than Zen. The dinning environment is good.
Address: 31507 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: +12065926552
Website

Bangkok Garden Street Food 
Description:  Delicious delicious Thai food. It's located right next to Tokyoya Ramen. So have fun choosing between these two if you enjoy both Thai food and Ramen. I recommend the Pad see ew noodle.
Address: 31509 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: +12539468833
Website

85°C Bakery Cafe
Description:  A Taiwanese bakery shop that also offers good milk tea! I once bought 8 egg tarts and 2 cups of milk teas from them. Also located right next to Tokyoya Ramen.
Address: 31503 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: +12064292506
Website

Share Tea

Description:  There is a share tea in Federal way too!
Address: 31217 Pacific Hwy S #B-101, Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: +12065926029

Beautiful sunset in PLU

So that's about it for my recommendation of good restaurant around Tacoma. I hope these good foods can fill your stomach up properly, and make your day even better!~

Best wishes,
Bryan Yuan
2020/6/15

Credits: Food images taken from Google

Chambers Bay!!!

Hey guys! 

This is Bryan. 

Today, I want to introduce you another good place around Tacoma to travel to. 

It is ----- Chambers Bay! 

Chambers Bay golf course

Chambers Bay is roughly 25 mins away from campus by car

I went to Chambers Bay to skate with my friends last week. And I was stunned by the beautiful view of it. 
It is a park combined with a huge golf course. You can't enter the golf course without paying money, but you can walk on the trail around the golf course, which is uphill to it. You can have a bird view of the golf course as well as the ocean while walking along the trail. If you go there around sunset, you will be able to see the sun slowly sinking into the ocean. 
Although the trail is located on a hill, it is really comfortable to walk/skate on. Take a look at the video I took while skating in the park. 
(It is pretty windy there, be sure to wear enough clothes)

Take a look at the pictures below for some beautiful views of Chambers Bay!

Besides the trail, there is also a lower park where you can walk on a flatter trail and do some activities on the grass. 

There is also a bridge that allows you to walk to the seaside and take a closer view at the sunset.

There are many locks on the bridge. Me and my fiends had a little debate about whether the lock represented "locking one's relationship" or "locking away the secrets". 

Flowers blooming

Flowers are blooming in PLU too!

That's all for my blog about Chambers Bay! 
I hope you guys enjoyed it and maybe consider about going there. 
As final is approaching, don't stress yourself out too much during the dead week. Take some nice breaks in between and enjoy the charming view of Chambers Bay! 

-- Bryan Yuan
May 9th, 2019

IPA Trips to Downtown Tacoma & Crystal Mountain

Hi everyone,

I hope you all have been enjoying your classes and burdensome assignments. Those assignments are surely nutritious for our brain and mental strengthening. If you are stressed, not a good sign, it means you need some fun activities to refresh (and go back to study with refreshed mind). 

Because I was stressed during the first and second week of this semester, although I am more stressed now, I went to Downtown Tacoma and Crystal Mountain Ski trips. I had so much fun in both trips, and I would like to share the stories with you. 

For the first ISS trip, we went the Museum of Glass. We watched glass blowing and glass arts. The glass sculptures were so beautiful that I really wished to have those. The weather was good, clean, and chill, so we spent most of time inside. On the way to the Ruston street for the lunch, we took some photos and moved very quickly (Ruston is well-known place to Tacomans for a good restaurant district and the fourth of July celebration place). Ruston street is also highly recommended to go.

On February 17, we went to the Crystal Mountain to ski and snowboard. We were scared a little bit because our van slipped a little on the snowy road. Later we found the tire chains, so we could have a safe drive home. It was stormy day that many skiers and snowboarders got hurt by the snow particles. The little snow particles literally slapping my face. The powder condition, though, was good. Snowboarding for an hour and coming back to the lounge to have some noodles, my body started melting, and a dew under my nostril. After having a quick lunch and snowboarding one-two hours, the time was up to go back. We struggled with using tire chains, and it took much time and energy from us, but I was so much appreciated by that everyone helped to get over the severe situation. A trip always takes us somewhere that creates memories whether good or bad, but it becomes a fun memory eventually. 

 Resting is good and necessary just like the steak becomes more delicious after resting it. I think it is fun to have a break with friends at the fabulous trips of IPA-ISS. Make memories and experience new things.

Don't be normal, but delicious!

Cheong Wun Cho

How to do this Holiday thing Washington Style

Hello to all and to all a good semester!

We are now officially in November and many of you might be asking yourselves "why are they playing Christmas music when we haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving?"  Yeah, I have no answer for you on that one.

But for those of you who are ready for the holiday shenanigans here is a short list of fun activities and events in and around Tacoma.

 Winter Things to do in Tacoma/Seattle

Winterfest at Seattle Center

     -This fun event provides many fun and inexpensive attractions like ice skating, ice sculptures, a visit with Santa Clause and lots of music and food.
*More info here Winterfest Seattle Center 


 

 

 

Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo

I have personally been to this even and it is beyond beautiful.  The sprawling landscape of the zoo is transformed into a land of sparkle, color and shine.  The even runs from the 25th of November to the 1st of January and the Tickets are cheap.  Please don't miss out on this one!

*More info here Zoolights

 

Festival of Trees

Located on the 5th floor of the Tacoma Convention Center this event features over 65 decorated Christmas trees.  Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this festive tour and support the work done at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center.
*More info here Festival of Trees


-Shanna